Worksheet: Identifying Main Idea, Key Sentence, and Supporting Details

Instructions: Read each paragraph and answer the questions below.

Paragraph 1:
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world. It is played in almost every country and has millions
of fans. The game is simple: two teams of eleven players each try to score goals by kicking a ball into the
other team's goal. Soccer is great exercise and requires skill and strategy to play well.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
What is the key sentence that expresses the main idea?
What are the supporting details in this paragraph?

Paragraph 2:
In ancient Egypt, the pharaoh was considered a god and had absolute power over the people. The pharaoh
was the leader of the government and the army, and his decisions were final. He was also responsible for
the construction of temples and monuments that would honor the gods and immortalize his name. The
pharaoh was seen as the embodiment of the divine, and his rule was essential to maintain the order of the
universe.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
What is the key sentence that expresses the main idea?
What are the supporting details in this paragraph?

Paragraph 3:
Reading is an essential skill that helps us to communicate, learn, and understand the world around us. It
allows us to access knowledge, express ourselves, and empathize with others. Reading also improves our
memory, concentration, and critical thinking abilities. Whether we are reading for pleasure or for work, it is
important to develop good reading habits and strategies to get the most out of our reading experience.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
What is the key sentence that expresses the main idea?
What are the supporting details in this paragraph?

Answers:
Paragraph 1:
The main idea of this paragraph is that soccer is a popular sport that requires skill and strategy to play well.
The key sentence that expresses the main idea is: "Soccer is great exercise and requires skill and strategy
to play well."
The supporting details in this paragraph are: soccer is played in almost every country, it has millions of
fans, two teams of eleven players each try to score goals by kicking a ball into the other team's goal.

Paragraph 2:
The main idea of this paragraph is that the pharaoh in ancient Egypt was considered a god and had
absolute power over the people.
The key sentence that expresses the main idea is: "The pharaoh was seen as the embodiment of the
divine, and his rule was essential to maintain the order of the universe."
The supporting details in this paragraph are: the pharaoh had absolute power over the people, he was the
leader of the government and the army, his decisions were final, he was responsible for the construction of
temples and monuments that would honor the gods and immortalize his name.

Paragraph 3:
The main idea of this paragraph is that reading is an essential skill that helps us to communicate, learn, and
understand the world around us.
The key sentence that expresses the main idea is: "Reading is an essential skill that helps us to
communicate, learn, and understand the world around us."
The supporting details in this paragraph are: reading allows us to access knowledge, express ourselves,
and empathize with others, it also improves our memory, concentration, and critical thinking abilities, it is
important to develop good reading habits and strategies to get the most out of our reading experience.
Worksheet: Identifying Main Idea, Key Sentence, and Supporting Details
Directions: Read the following passages and answer the questions below to identify the main idea, key
sentence, and supporting details.

Passage 1:
Walking is one of the easiest and most effective ways to maintain good health. It is a low-impact exercise
that can be done anywhere, and it doesn't require any special equipment. Walking regularly can help you
lose weight, reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve cardiovascular health. Plus, it's a great way
to enjoy the outdoors and explore new places.
Main Idea: ___________________________
Key Sentence: _________________________
Supporting Details:

Passage 2:
Social media has become an integral part of our lives, allowing us to connect with people from all over the
world. However, social media can also be addictive and harmful to our mental health. Studies have shown
that excessive use of social media can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness and isolation.
It's important to set limits on social media use and prioritize face-to-face interactions with friends and family.
Main Idea: ___________________________
Key Sentence: _________________________
Supporting Details:

Passage 3:
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's most magnificent natural wonders. Located off the coast of
Australia, it is home to thousands of species of marine life, including turtles, sharks, and colorful coral reefs.
However, the reef is facing numerous threats, including climate change, overfishing, and pollution. It's
important that we take action to protect this fragile ecosystem before it's too late.
Main Idea: ___________________________
Key Sentence: _________________________
Supporting Details:

Worksheet: Identifying the Main Idea, Key Sentence, and Supporting Details
Directions: Read each paragraph carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Paragraph 1:
My family and I went on a vacation to the beach last summer. We rented a house near the water and spent
most of our days swimming and building sandcastles. One day, we even went on a boat ride and saw
dolphins swimming in the ocean. It was a great trip that we will always remember.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
What is the key sentence that supports the main idea?
What are some supporting details that help explain the key sentence?

Paragraph 2:
Dogs are amazing pets to have. They are loyal and provide companionship for their owners. Dogs are also
great protectors and can help keep their owners safe. Many people even train their dogs to do tricks and
compete in shows. Overall, dogs are wonderful animals that make great pets.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
What is the key sentence that supports the main idea?
What are some supporting details that help explain the key sentence?

Paragraph 3:
The invention of the internet has changed the way we live our lives. With just a few clicks, we can access
information on almost any topic imaginable. The internet has also made communication easier, allowing us
to connect with people from all over the world. However, the internet can also be dangerous, with the risk of
identity theft and cyberbullying.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
What is the key sentence that supports the main idea?
What are some supporting details that help explain the key sentence?

Paragraph 4:
Basketball is a popular sport played by millions of people around the world. It was invented in 1891 by Dr.
James Naismith and quickly became a favorite among athletes. Basketball requires skill, agility, and
teamwork. It is a great way to stay in shape and have fun with friends.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
What is the key sentence that supports the main idea?
What are some supporting details that help explain the key sentence?

Paragraph 5:
Cooking can be a fun and rewarding hobby. It allows people to experiment with different flavors and create
delicious meals. Cooking can also be a way to show love and appreciation for others by preparing meals
for them. Plus, it's a valuable life skill that everyone should learn.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
What is the key sentence that supports the main idea?
What are some supporting details that help explain the key sentence?

Answers:
Paragraph 1:
The main idea of this paragraph is a description of a family vacation to the beach.
The key sentence that supports the main idea is "It was a great trip that we will always remember."
Supporting details include where the family rented a house, what activities they did, and the fact that they
saw dolphins.
Paragraph 2:
The main idea of this paragraph is that dogs make great pets.
The key sentence that supports the main idea is "Overall, dogs are wonderful animals that make great
pets."
Supporting details include why dogs make great pets, such as their loyalty and ability to protect, and what
some owners do with their dogs, like training them to do tricks and compete in shows.
Paragraph 3:
The main idea of this paragraph is the impact of the internet on our lives.
The key sentence that supports the main idea is "The invention of the internet has changed the way we live
our lives."
Supporting details include how the internet has made accessing information and communicating with others
easier, but